March 20, 2006
The first day of spring in the northern hemisphere...
Childhood is the springtime of life... a time of discovery, wonder, and great anticipation of the future....
Childhood days should be happy ones that we remember fondly all our lives. But
sometimes, when BAVD or other forms of thoracic aortic disease are present,
medical care and surgical intervention become part of the experience of a child.
"My Mommy cried so many tears that she doesn't have any left....
I was in the
hospital a long time - a whole week....."
These words, spoken by a 10 year old girl recovering from aortic repair, give
a glimpse into a child's view of her surgery. She has happily returned
to school and her classmates again now. I will not forget our phone conversation.
And I will not forget the courage required of this 10 year old child
and her family as together they took steps that ultimately led to complex, life-saving
surgery in her chest.
It is not easy for parents and children.
In recent months, parents who are no longer young were in a hospital waiting
room, standing by as their daughter had aortic surgery. This was not the first
time for these parents. Years before, when she too was a little 10 year old
girl, a pioneering procedure saved her life. This year, as a mature woman, she
needed aortic surgery. Shortly afterward, so did her brother, and again their parents
were there. I will not forget the courage with which this family also has
dealt with bicuspid aortic valve disease.
Today I also remember
my husband's parents, both gone now, and their life-long concern for their son
-- first his heart murmur and later the aortic valve and aneurysm surgeries he
had while they were alive.
On this first day of spring in California,
my thoughts turn to many families who have contacted us, particularly
those with young children. While many children may not require surgery, there
are still numerous questions about their care.
As part of the
Bicuspid Aortic Foundation's mission to advance the well being and longevity of
those with BAVD and other forms of thoracic aortic disease, we will continue
to seek expertise and pursue answers for everyone. And we will not forget the children,
who today are in the springtime of their lives.
May we keep springtime in our hearts through out the year,
helping parents
and children live in a climate of hope.
With very best wishes to all,
Arlys Velebir
Chair, Bicuspid Aortic Foundation
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